Test system and method for testing a device under test

ABSTRACT

A test system comprises a device under test and a testing device. The device under test comprises a first initiation unit, wherein the first initiation unit is configured to generate a first wireless initiation signal. The initiation signal consists of at least one of electromagnetic waves and sound waves, wherein the initiation signal comprises a first test command. The testing device comprises a first sensor unit, wherein the first sensor unit is configured to receive the initiation signal via the first sensor unit. The testing device is configured to generate a first electromagnetic test signal based on the first test command.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/703,680, filed Dec. 4, 2019, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a test system.Embodiments of the present disclosure further relate to a method fortesting a device under test via a testing device.

BACKGROUND

In the state of the art, different types of measurement systems fortesting a radio frequency (RF) communication device under test withregard to its over-the-air (OTA) properties are known. Such measurementsystems are used to test certain properties of the device under test,particularly certain properties of signals generated by the device undertest.

In order to test the device under test, the device under test must becontrolled to enter a certain operational mode that is to be tested. Forexample, the device under test needs to be controlled to enter a sendingmode and/or a receiving mode. For this purpose, it is known to connectthe device under test to a control device via a cable that is pluggedinto the device under test.

However, as the device under test needs to be connected to a cable, themeasurement process takes more time. Moreover, the cable leading to thedevice under test may alter the electromagnetic properties of theenvironment of the device under test such that the measurement resultsare distorted.

Accordingly, there is a need for a test system as well as a method fortesting a device under test that allow for an undisturbed testing of thedevice under test.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a test system comprising adevice under test and a testing device. In an embodiment, the deviceunder test comprises a first initiation unit, wherein the firstinitiation unit is configured to generate a first wireless initiationsignal. The initiation signal consists of at least one ofelectromagnetic waves and sound waves, wherein the initiation signalcomprises a first test command. The testing device comprises a firstsensor unit, wherein the first sensor unit is configured to receive theinitiation signal via the first sensor unit. The testing device isconfigured to generate a first electromagnetic test signal based on thefirst test command

The device under test may be a mobile communication device for 2G, 3G,4G, 5G, for instance 5GNR, and/or LTE, for example a smart phone, alaptop, a tablet, a WLAN router, an internet of things (IoT) device orany other kind of smart device having a communication interface.

The test system according to the disclosure is based on the idea totransmit the first test command from the testing device to the deviceunder test wirelessly, i.e. without a cable leading from the testingdevice to the device under test. Thus, the electromagnetic properties ofthe environment of the device under test and/or the ones of the deviceunder test itself are not changed by plugging a cable into the deviceunder test. Moreover, no disturbing objects like the cable are locatedwithin a testing chamber used for testing the device under test, forexample a shielded chamber, also called anechoic chamber.

Moreover, no additional electromagnetic disturbances are caused by thewireless transmission of the first test command, because the first testcommand is transmitted to the device under test prior to the actualtesting procedure.

The device under test may be provided with suitable software orprogrammed hardware such that the device under test can process and“understand” the first test command that is transmitted via theelectromagnetic waves and/or sound waves from the testing device to thedevice under test.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the firstinitiation unit is established as a first speaker, wherein the firstspeaker is configured to generate sound waves, and wherein the firstsensor unit is established as a first microphone, wherein the firstmicrophone is configured to receive sound waves.

The sound waves may have a frequency in the audible and/or non-audiblefrequency range, for example in the ultrasound frequency range.Accordingly, electromagnetic perturbations caused by a movement of amagnet in the first speaker have a frequency being essentially equal tothe frequency of the audible or non-audible sound waves. Accordingly,the electromagnetic perturbations may have a frequency that is smallerthan 1 MHz.

Thus, the frequency of the electromagnetic perturbations is much smallerthan a communication frequency of the device under test, which istypically in the range of 100 MHz to about 200 GHz. Accordingly, testingof the device under test is not impaired by the first initiation signalitself and/or by the generation of the first initiation signal evenduring an ongoing testing procedure of the device under test.

According to another variant of the present disclosure, the first sensorof the device under test may be configured to detect gestures, forexample via radar. Thus, the first initiation unit may be configured asa radar signal generator being configured to generate a radar signalthat emulate the radar signature of a gesture. Thus, in this case thefirst test command is comprised in the emulated gesture or rather in thegenerated radar signal corresponding to that gesture.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the testing devicecomprises an antenna being configured to receive the firstelectromagnetic test signal. Thus, the first electromagnetic test signalcan be received and may be analyzed by the testing device in order totest and/or analyze certain properties of the device under test.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the testingdevice comprises an analysis circuit or module, wherein the analysismodule is configured to analyze the first electromagnetic test signal.The analysis module tests certain properties of the device under test byanalyzing the first electromagnetic test signal. For example, thetesting device may test certain communication layers of the firstelectromagnetic signal and/or the device under test.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the testing device isconfigured to simulate a RF communication partner of the device undertest. In other words, the second electromagnetic test signal isgenerated with defined properties such that a certain communicationpartner for the device under test is simulated by the testing device.For example, the testing device may simulate a mobile communication basestation, another mobile communication device, a router, or any othertype of RF communication device that is associated with an actual usecase of the device under test.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the device under testcomprises an initiation unit being configured to generate at least oneof electromagnetic waves or sound waves, wherein the testing devicecomprises a second sensor unit being configured to receive at least oneof electromagnetic waves or sound waves. Accordingly, commands and/orrequests can also be transmitted from the device under test to thetesting device via electromagnetic waves and/or sound waves, such thatelectromagnetic measurements are not impaired, as already describedabove with regard to the first initiation signal.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device undertest is configured to generate a second wireless initiation signal viathe second initiation unit. The second initiation signal comprises asecond test command. The device under test is configured to receive thesecond initiation signal via the second sensor unit. The device undertest is configured to generate a second electromagnetic test signalbased on the second test command. The second acoustic signal or ratherthe second test command may comprise a command for the testing device toenter a certain operational mode, e.g. a RF sending mode and/or a RFreceiving mode. Therein, the second test command is transmitted from thedevice under test to the testing device via electromagnetic waves and/orsound waves, such that electromagnetic measurements are not impaired, asalready described above with regard to the first initiation signal.

The device under test may comprise an antenna being configured toreceive the second electromagnetic test signal. Thus, the secondelectromagnetic test signal can be received and may be analyzed by thedevice under test in order to test and/or analyze certain properties ofthe device under test.

Accordingly, a bi-directional communication via sound waves and/or viaelectromagnetic waves may be established between the device under testand the testing device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the testingdevice comprises a housing, wherein the housing defines a shieldedspace, and wherein the device under test is placed in the shieldedspace. The housing is made of or includes a metal or another suitablematerial, such that the housing prevents electromagnetic waves from theoutside from propagating into the shielded space. Accordingly, theshielded space is free of external electromagnetic waves, such thattests can be performed on the device under test without externalelectromagnetic perturbations.

Generally, the shielded space may relate to a shielded chamber or rathera shielded box. Typically, the shielded chamber is also called anechoicchamber.

The housing may comprise opening and closing means via which the housingcan be opened and closed. In an open state of the housing, the deviceunder test can be inserted into the housing and/or it can be taken outof the housing. For testing purposes, the housing is closed via theopening and closing means.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first initiation unit islocated in the shielded space. Accordingly, the first acoustic commandsignal is generated within the shielded space.

If the testing device comprises a sensor unit, the microphone may alsobe located in the shielded space.

In some embodiments, the housing comprises a shielded connectorextending from the shielded space to an exterior of the housing, whereinthe shielded connector is connected to the first initiation unit. Thefirst initiation unit may be contacted via a cable from the outside thatis plugged into the shielded connector. This way, the first initiationunit can be contacted from outside of the housing, whereinelectromagnetic perturbations are prevented from propagating into theshielded chamber by the shielded connector. Moreover, no cables arelocated within the shielded space that may have different positionsand/or orientations during different tests.

Generally, power and/or data may be transmitted via the cable to thefirst sensor unit and/or the first initiation unit, for example theunits associated with the device under test.

Thus, a comparable shielded space can be ensured for different tests.Hence, benchmarking tests can be guaranteed, as the testing environmentis always the same.

If the testing device comprises a sensor unit, the housing may comprisea second shielded connector or the shielded connector may be a commonconnector for both the first initiation unit and the second sensor unit.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the test systemcomprises at least a second device under test. The second device undertest comprises a sensor unit. The sensor unit of the second device undertest is configured to receive electromagnetic waves and/or sound waves.The second device under test is configured to receive the firstinitiation signal via the sensor unit of the second device under test.The second device under test is configured to generate anelectromagnetic test signal based on the first test command. Thus, thetest system may be used to simultaneously test several (i.e. at leasttwo) devices under test. This way, an overall testing time per deviceunder test is reduced.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the testingdevice is configured to simulate a respective RF communication partnerfor each one of the devices under test. In other words, the secondelectromagnetic test signal is generated with defined properties suchthat a certain communication partner for each one of the devices undertest is simulated by the testing device. Therein, the sameelectromagnetic test signal may be used for all devices under test.Alternatively, a distinct electromagnetic signal may be generated for atleast two devices under test, for example for all devices under test.Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a test systemcomprising a device under test and a testing device. The device undertest comprises a first initiation unit, wherein the first initiationunit is configured to generate a first wireless initiation signal. Theinitiation signal consists of at least one of electromagnetic waves andsound waves, wherein the initiation signal comprises a first testcommand. The testing device comprises a first sensor unit, wherein thefirst sensor unit is configured to receive the initiation signal via thefirst sensor unit. The testing device is configured to generate a firstelectromagnetic test signal based on the first test command.

The test system according to the disclosure is based on the idea totransmit the first test command from the device under test to thetesting device wirelessly, i.e. without a cable leading from the testingdevice to the device under test. Thus, the electromagnetic properties ofthe environment of the device under test and/or of the device under testitself are not changed by plugging a cable into the device under test.

Moreover, no additional electromagnetic disturbances are caused by thewireless transmission of the first test command, because the first testcommand is transmitted prior to the actual testing procedure.

The device under test may be provided with suitable software such thatthe device under test can process and “understand” the first testcommand that is transmitted via the sound waves from the testing deviceto the device under test.

The sound waves may have a frequency in the audible and/or non-audiblefrequency range, for example in the ultrasound frequency range.Accordingly, electromagnetic perturbations caused by e.g. a movement ofmagnets in the first speaker have a frequency being essentially equal tothe frequency of the audible or non-audible sound waves. Accordingly,the electromagnetic perturbations have a frequency that is smaller than1 MHz.

Thus, the frequency of the electromagnetic perturbations is much smallerthan a communication frequency of the device under test, which istypically in the range of 100 MHz to about 200 GHz. Accordingly, testingof the device under test is not impaired by the first initiation signalitself and/or by the generation of the first initiation signal evenduring an ongoing testing procedure of the device under test.

Regarding the remaining advantages and properties of the secondembodiment of the test system, reference is made to the explanationsgiven above with respect to the first embodiment of the test system,which also apply to the second embodiment and vice versa.

Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a test systemcomprising a device under test and a testing device. In an embodiment,the test system comprises a first sensor unit being associated with thedevice under test, wherein the first sensor unit is established as atleast one of a position sensor and a motion sensor. The first sensorunit is configured to determine at least one of a position of the deviceunder test and at least one parameter associated with a motion of thedevice under test. The device under test is configured to generate afirst electromagnetic test signal based on at least one of the positionof the device under test and the at least one determined parameter.

Therein and in the following, the term “position” is understood tocomprise both the location of the device under test (in the sense ofcoordinates of the mass center of the device under test) as well as theorientation of the device under test (in the sense of the threerotational angles of the device under test).

The at least one parameter associated with a motion of the device undertest may comprise a velocity of the device under test, an accelerationof the device under test and/or a jerk of the device under test.

Thus, the device under test is controlled to generate the firstelectromagnetic test signal based on a location of the device undertest, an orientation of the device under test, a velocity of the deviceunder test, an acceleration of the device under test and/or a jerk ofthe device under test, etc.

The device under test may comprises the first sensor unit. Accordingly,the device under test may determine whether a condition for starting thetesting procedure is already met based on its position and/or the atleast one parameter associated with its motion.

An example for such a condition is that the device under test has apredefined location and orientation within the shielded space.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the testingdevice comprises positioning means, wherein the positioning means areconfigured to position the device under test in a predefined way. In anembodiment, the positioning means can include a positioning table or thelike.

Accordingly, the positioning means may position the device under test ina way necessary for the testing procedure of the device under test.

The positioning means may comprise the first sensor unit. Accordingly,the positioning may determine whether a condition for starting thetesting procedure of the device under test is already met based on itsposition and/or the at least one parameter associated with its motion.

Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a test method fortesting a device under test via a testing device. In an embodiment, themethod comprises the following steps:

generating a first wireless initiation signal via a first initiationunit of the testing device, the first initiation signal comprising afirst test command;

receiving the first initiation signal via a first sensor unit of thedevice under test; and

generating a first electromagnetic test signal based on the first testcommand.

Regarding the advantages and properties of the method for testing adevice under test, reference is made to the explanations given abovewith respect to the embodiments of the test system, which also apply tothe method and vice versa.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the firstelectromagnetic test signal is received and analyzed by the testingdevice. The testing device tests certain properties of the device undertest by analyzing the first electromagnetic test signal. For example,the testing device may test certain communication layers of the firstelectromagnetic signal and/or the device under test.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the methodcomprises the following additional steps:

generating a second initiation signal via a second initiation unit ofthe device under test, wherein the second initiation signal comprises asecond test command;

receiving the second initiation signal via a second sensor unit of thetesting device, wherein the second initiation signal comprises a secondtest command; and

generating a second electromagnetic test signal based on the first testcommand.

Accordingly, commands and/or requests can also be transmitted from thedevice under test to the testing device via electromagnetic waves and/orsound waves in such a way that electromagnetic measurements are notimpaired, as already explained above.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device under test isplaced in a shielded space defined by a housing of the testing device.The housing is made of or includes metal or another suitable material,such that the housing prevents electromagnetic waves from the outsidefrom propagating into the shielded space. Accordingly, the shieldedspace is free of external electromagnetic waves, such that tests can beperformed on the device under test without external electromagneticperturbations.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a RF communicationpartner of the device under test is simulated via the testing device. Inother words, the second electromagnetic test signal is generated withdefined properties such that a certain communication partner for thedevice under test is simulated by the testing device. For example, thetesting device may simulate a mobile communication base station, anothermobile communication device, a router, or any other type of RFcommunication device that is associated with an actual use case of thedevice under test.

In some embodiments at least a second device under test is provided. Insome embodiments, several additional device under test may be provided.Thus, several (i.e. at least two) devices under test may besimultaneously tested. This way, an overall testing time per deviceunder test is reduced.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a respective RFcommunication partner for each one of the devices under test issimulated via the same testing device. In other words, the secondelectromagnetic test signal is generated with defined properties suchthat a certain communication partner for each one of the devices undertest is simulated. Therein, the same electromagnetic test signal may beused for all devices under test. Alternatively, a distinctelectromagnetic signal may be generated for at least two devices undertest, for example for all devices under test.

Generally, a combination of acoustic signals and electromagneticsignals, for example optical signals, may be used as wireless initiationsignal. The device under test or rather the testing device receives thecombination of signals and processes them accordingly.

In some embodiments, an application or rather software is running on thedevice under test to process the signals received and executecorresponding commands on the device under test appropriately.

Furthermore, position and/or orientation of the device under test may becontrolled by the positioning means in order to initiate at least onerespective command to be executed by the device under test. Thepositioning means, also called an actuator or the like, is enabled tostart, stop or rather control the testing. In some embodiments, testparameters may be adapted by the positioning means whileadapting/changing the position and/or orientation of the device undertest during the testing.

The initiation of at least one command to be executed by the deviceunder test may relate to a combination of the position of the deviceunder test, the orientation of the device under test, acoustic signalsreceived and electromagnetic signals received, for example opticalsignals.

Generally, the corresponding commands to be executed may relate toperform actions like “switch on”, “switch off”, “mute”, “enable airplanemode”, “establish a call”, “handover”, “reset”, “communication interfaceon”, “communication interface off” and so on, wherein the communicationinterface may relate to a certain standard, for instance Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC).

A protocol may be used that ensures robust communication between thetesting device and the device under test.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of theclaimed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the samebecome better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 schematically shows a test system according to a first embodimentof the disclosure;

FIG. 2 schematically shows a test system according to a secondembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of a representative method for testing adevice under test according to the disclosure; and

FIG. 4 shows a test system according to a further embodiment of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings, where like numerals reference like elements, is intended as adescription of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter andis not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodimentdescribed in this disclosure is provided merely as an example orillustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageousover other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein arenot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter tothe precise forms disclosed.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a test system 10 comprising a testing device12 and a device under test 14. Generally speaking, the device under test14 is a user equipment device that is configured to wirelesslycommunicate with other devices via electromagnetic waves, for example ina radio frequency range. Accordingly, the device under test 14 comprisesan antenna 16 for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic waves.

The device under test 14 further comprises a first sensor unit 17 thatis configured to receive electromagnetic waves and/or sound waves. Inthe following, an exemplary embodiment is described, wherein the firstsensor unit 17 is established as a first microphone 18 that isconfigured to receive sound waves in an audible and/or non-audiblefrequency range, for example ultrasound.

For example, the device under test 14 in some embodiments is a mobilecommunication device for 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G and/or LTE, for example a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, a WLAN router, an internet of things (IoT)device or any other kind of smart device.

The testing device 12 comprises a housing 20, a control circuit(s) ormodule 22, an analysis circuit(s) or module 24, and at least one antenna26. The testing device 12 further comprises a first initiation unit 27and a second sensor unit 29.

In the following, an exemplary embodiment is described, wherein thefirst initiation unit 27 is established as a first speaker 28, andwherein the second sensor unit 29 is established as a second microphone30.

In some embodiments, the testing device 12 may comprise several antennas26.

Therein and in the following, the term “module” is understood to denotecomponents comprising suitable hardware and/or software, for example asuitable combination of hardware and software.

The housing 20 comprises opening- and closing means 32 via which thehousing 20 can be opened and closed. In an open state of the housing 20,the device under test 14 can be inserted into the housing 20 and/or canbe taken out of the housing 20. In a closed state of the housing 20, thehousing 20 defines a shielded space 34 on the inside of the housing 20.

In some embodiments, the housing 20 is made of or includes metal oranother suitable material, such that the housing 20 preventselectromagnetic waves from the outside from propagating into theshielded space 34. Accordingly, the shielded space 34 is free ofexternal electromagnetic waves if the housing 20 is in the closed state,such that tests can be performed on the device under test 14 withoutexternal electromagnetic perturbations.

The housing 20 further comprises a shielded connector 36 that extendsfrom an exterior side of the housing 20 through the housing 20 into theshielded space 34. In an embodiment, the first speaker 28 is mounted tothe housing 20 within the shielded space 34 and is connected to theshielded connector 36.

The antenna 26 of the testing device 12, the first speaker 28 and thesecond microphone 30 are each connected to the analysis module 24 in asignal transmitting manner. Moreover, the antenna 26 of the testingdevice 12, the first speaker 28 and the second microphone 30 may each beconnected to the control module 22 in a signal transmitting manner.

The control module 22 is configured to control the antenna 26 of thetesting device 12, the first speaker 28 and/or the second microphone 30,as will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 2 schematically shows another embodiment of the test system 10. Inthe following, only the differences with respect to the embodiment ofFIG. 1 will be described, wherein the same reference numerals are usedfor components with the same functionality.

The test system 10 comprises several (i.e. at least two) devices undertest 14 that are placed in the shielded space 34. In other words, thehousing 20 of the testing device 12 defines a common shielded space 34for the several devices under test 14. Therein, the devices under test14 may be identically constructed. Alternatively, at least two of thedevices under test 14 may be established as different devices. In someembodiments, one or several antennas 26 of the testing device 12 may beassociated with each one of the devices under test 14.

The explanations given in the following apply to both embodiments of thetest system 10 described above.

The test system 10 is configured to perform a test method for testingthe device under test 14 or the devices under test 14 described in thefollowing with reference to FIG. 3. In the following, the representativemethod will be described with respect to the embodiment of the testsystem 10 of FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that theseexplanations also apply to the embodiment of the test system 10 shown inFIG. 2.

The testing device 12 generates a first acoustic command signal via thefirst speaker 28 (step S1). More precisely, the control module 22controls the first speaker 28 to generate the first acoustic commandsignal.

Alternatively or additionally, the first speaker 28 may be controlled byan external control device via a cable that is plugged into the shieldedconnector 36. In this case, the external control device may control thefirst speaker 28 to generate the first acoustic command signal.

The first acoustic command signal comprises a first test command. Thefirst test command contains instructions for the device under test 14 toenter a certain operational mode, e.g. a sending mode and/or a receivingmode.

The first acoustic command signal is received by the device under test14 via the first microphone 18 (step S2). The first acoustic commandsignal is processed by the device under test 14 and an operational modeof the device under test 14 is adapted based on the first acousticcommand signal, for example based on the first test command.

The device under test 14 may be provided with suitable software,programmed hardware, suitably configured circuits, etc., such that thedevice under test 14 can process and “understand” the first test commandthat is transmitted via sound waves from the testing device 12 to thedevice under test 14.

Accordingly, the first test command is transmitted from the testingdevice 12 to the device under test 14 via sound waves, such that noelectromagnetic perturbations are generated in the shielded space whenthe first test command is transmitted to the device under test 14.

The device under test 14 generates a first electromagnetic test signalbased on the first acoustic command signal or rather based on the firsttest command (step S3). The testing device 12 receives the test signalvia the antenna 26, wherein the received test signal is forwarded to theanalysis module 24 for further analysis (step S4).

The analysis module 24 analyzes the received test signal in order totest certain properties of the device under test 14. The testing device12 may generate a second electromagnetic test signal based on theanalysis of the first test signal (step S5).

Therein, the testing device 12 may simulate a communication partner forthe device under test 14. In other words, the second electromagnetictest signal is generated with defined properties such that a certaincommunication partner for the device under test 14 is simulated by thetesting device 12.

For example, the testing device 12 may simulate a mobile communicationbase station, another mobile communication device, a router, or anyother type of RF communication device that is associated with an actualuse case of the device under test 14.

The device under test 14 receives the second electromagnetic test signalvia the antenna 16 of the device under test 14. Further, the deviceunder test 14 may generate another electromagnetic signal, which isreceived by the testing device 12. In other words, a RF communication isestablished between the device under test 14 and the testing device 12.

It is noted that, in the embodiment of the test system 10 shown in FIG.2, the testing device 12 may simulate a respective RF communicationpartner for each one of the several devices under test 14.

Alternatively or additionally to the steps described above, thefollowing steps may be performed by the test system 10.

The device under test 14 may comprise a second initiation unit 37. Inthe exemplary embodiment described in the following, the secondinitiation unit 37 is established as a second speaker 38 and maygenerate a second acoustic signal via the second speaker 38.

The second acoustic signal comprises a second test command containinginstructions for the testing device 12 to enter a certain operationalmode, e.g. a receiving mode and/or a sending mode. The second acousticsignal is received by the testing device 12 via the second microphone 30and is forwarded to the analysis module 24. The analysis module 24analyzes the second acoustic signal or rather the second test command.The control module 22 controls the antenna 26 of the testing device 12to generate an electromagnetic test signal.

Similarly to the method described above, the testing device 12 maysimulate a RF communication partner for the device under test 14, suchthat a RF communication is established between the device under test 14and the testing device 12.

In the two embodiments described above, the first test command and thesecond test command respectively are transferred to the device undertest 14 via sound waves.

However, there are more possibilities to initiate a testing procedure ofthe device under test 14 without a cable connection to the device undertest 14 that is dedicated to that purpose.

According to a third embodiment of the test system 10, the firstinitiation unit 27 of the testing device 12 is established as a Li-Filight source 28′, wherein the Li-Fi light source 28′ is configured togenerate a Li-Fi signal. In other words, the first speaker 28 describedin the embodiment above is replaced with the Li-Fi source 28′, forexample with an LED.

Accordingly, the first microphone 18 of the device under test 14 isreplaced with a light sensor, for example a light sensor 18′ of thedevice under test 14 is used as the sensor unit in order to receive theLi-Fi signal. Put differently, the first sensor unit 17 is establishedas the light sensor 18′. Thus, the first command signal is transmittedto the device under 14 test via light in the infrared spectrum, in thevisible spectrum and/or in the ultraviolet spectrum in the form of aLi-Fi signal.

Analogously, the second initiation unit 37 of the device under test 14may be established as a Li-Fi light source 38′, while the second sensorunit 29 of the testing device 12 may be established as a light sensor30′.

The remaining explanations regarding the first two embodiments of thetest system 10 given above apply mutatis mutandis to the thirdembodiment.

According to a fourth embodiment of the test system 10, the firstinitiation unit 27 of the testing device 14 is established as a firstdisplay 28″, wherein the first display 28″ is configured to generate animage that is associated with the first test command. Accordingly, thefirst sensor unit 17 is established as a first camera 18″, wherein thefirst camera 18″ is configured to capture the image generated by thefirst display 28″.

Therein, the relevant information on the first test command is comprisedin the image. For example, the image may be established as an opticalcode such as a barcode or a QR-code, which is captured via the cameraand “translated” into the appropriate test command by the device undertest 14. Thus, the first command signal is transmitted to the deviceunder 14 test via an optical code that is associated with a particulartesting mode and/or a particular operational mode of the device undertest 14.

Analogously, the second initiation unit 37 of the device under test 14may be established as a second display 38″, while the second sensor unit29 of the testing device 12 may be established as a camera 30″.

According to another variant of the test system 10, the first sensorunit 17 of the device under test 14 may be configured to detectgestures, for example via radar. Thus, the first initiation unit 27 maybe configured as a (radar) signal generator being configured to generatea radar signal that emulates the radar signature of a gesture. Thus, inthis case the first test command is comprised in the emulated gesture orrather in the generated radar signal corresponding to that gesture.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the test system 10, wherein only thedifferences to the embodiments described above are explained in thefollowing.

The test system 10 comprises positioning means 40 that are configured toadjustably hold the device under test 14 in a predefined position withinthe shielded space 34. Moreover, the positioning means 40 are configuredto adjust the position of the device under test 14 within the shieldedspace 34.

At least one of the device under test 14 and the positioning means 40comprises the first sensor unit 17 that is established as a positionsensor 42 and/or a motion sensor 44. The positioning means 40 arelocated within a radiation-neutral location within the shielded space 34provided by the housing 20.

In some embodiments, in order to adjust the position of the device undertest 14, the positioning means 40 includes, for example, a robotic arm,a positioning table, an XY stage or table, an XZ stage or table, an YZstage or table, one or more spindles or rotational shafts that areconfigured to rotate about the X, Y, and/or Z axes, a device under testmount or holder, combinations thereof, etc. In some embodiments, thepositioning means 40 includes one or more controllable actuators, drivemotors, etc., to affect positional changes on the device under testbased on receipt of suitable control signals, voltages, etc.

The first sensor unit 17 is configured to determine at least one of aposition of the device under test 14 and at least one parameterassociated with a motion of the device under test 14. The at least oneparameter associated with a motion of the device under test 14 maycomprise a velocity of the device under test 14, an acceleration of thedevice under test 14 and/or a jerk of the device under test 14, etc.

In this embodiment of the test system 10, the device under test 14generates the first electromagnetic test signal based on position of thedevice under test 14 and the at least one determined parameter.

Generally speaking, the sensor unit 17 determines whether a conditionfor starting the testing procedure is already met based on the positionand/or the at least one parameter associated with the motion of thedevice under test 14.

Thus, the device under test 14 is controlled to generate the firstelectromagnetic test signal based on a location of the device under test14, an orientation of the device under test 14, a velocity of the deviceunder test 14, an acceleration of the device under test 14 and/or a jerkof the device under test 14.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein utilize circuitry (e.g., one ormore circuits) in order to implement protocols, methodologies ortechnologies disclosed herein, operably couple two or more components,generate information, process information, analyze information, generatesignals, encode/decode signals, convert signals, transmit and/or receivesignals, control other devices, etc. Circuitry of any type can be used.

In an embodiment, circuitry includes, among other things, one or morecomputing devices such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), acentral processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmablegate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), or the like, or anycombinations thereof, and can include discrete digital or analog circuitelements or electronics, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment,circuitry includes hardware circuit implementations (e.g.,implementations in analog circuitry, implementations in digitalcircuitry, and the like, and combinations thereof).

In an embodiment, circuitry includes combinations of circuits andcomputer program products having software or firmware instructionsstored on one or more computer readable memories that work together tocause a device to perform one or more protocols, methodologies ortechnologies described herein. In an embodiment, circuitry includescircuits, such as, for example, microprocessors or portions ofmicroprocessor, that require software, firmware, and the like foroperation. In an embodiment, circuitry includes an implementationcomprising one or more processors or portions thereof and accompanyingsoftware, firmware, hardware, and the like.

The present application may reference quantities and numbers. Unlessspecifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to beconsidered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities ornumbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard,the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference aquantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to beany number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five,etc. The terms “about,” “approximately,” “near,” etc., mean plus orminus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of the presentdisclosure, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is equivalent to “Aand/or B” or vice versa, namely “A” alone, “B” alone or “A and B.”.Similarly, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C,” for example, means(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C),including all further possible permutations when greater than threeelements are listed.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation ofthe present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description.However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to beprotected are not to be construed as limited to the particularembodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are tobe regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will beappreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, andequivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all suchvariations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure, as claimed.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A test system comprising a device undertest and a testing device, said testing device comprising a firstinitiation unit, wherein said first initiation unit is configured togenerate a first wireless initiation signal, wherein said initiationsignal comprises at least one of electromagnetic waves or sound waves,and wherein said initiation signal comprises a first test command; saiddevice under test comprising a first sensor unit, wherein said firstsensor unit is configured to receive said initiation signal; and saiddevice under test being configured to generate a first electromagnetictest signal based on said first test command, wherein the testing deviceis configured to simulate a RF communication partner of the device undertest, wherein said first initiation unit is established as a Li-Fi lightsource, wherein said Li-Fi light source is configure to generate a Li-Fisignal, wherein said first sensor unit is established as a first lightsensor, wherein said first light sensor is configured to detect light atleast in a frequency range of said Li-Fi signal, wherein said testingdevice comprises a housing, wherein the housing defines anelectromagnetically shielded space, wherein said device under test isplaced in the shielded space, wherein said first initiation unit islocated in the shielded space, wherein the housing comprises a shieldedconnector extending from the shielded space to an exterior of thehousing, and wherein said shielded connector is connected to said firstinitiation unit.
 2. The test system of claim 1, wherein the testingdevice comprises an antenna being configured to receive the firstelectromagnetic test signal.
 3. The test system of claim 2, wherein thetesting device comprises an analysis module, wherein the analysis moduleis configured to analyze said first electromagnetic test signal.
 4. Thetest system of claim 1, wherein said device under test comprises asecond initiation unit being configured to generate at least one ofelectromagnetic waves and sound waves, and wherein said testing devicecomprises a second sensor unit being configured to receive at least oneof electromagnetic waves and sound waves.
 5. The test system of claim 4,wherein said device under test is configured to generate a secondwireless initiation signal via said second initiation unit, said secondinitiation signal comprising a second test command, said device undertest being configured to receive said second acoustic signal via saidsecond sensor unit, and said device under test being configured togenerate a second electromagnetic test signal based on said second testcommand.
 6. The test system of claim 5, wherein the device under testcomprises an antenna being configured to receive the secondelectromagnetic test signal.
 7. The test system of claim 1, comprisingat least a second device under test, said second device under testcomprising a sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit of the second deviceunder test is configured to receive at least one of electromagneticwaves and sound waves, wherein said second device under test isconfigured to receive said first initiation signal via said sensor unitof the second device under test, and wherein said second device undertest is configured to generate an electromagnetic test signal based onsaid first test command.
 8. The test system of claim 7, wherein saidtesting device is configured to simulate a respective RF communicationpartner for each one of the devices under test.
 9. The method of claim7, wherein at least a second device under test is provided.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein a respective RF communication partner foreach one of the devices under test is simulated via the same testingdevice.
 11. A test system comprising a device under test and a testingdevice, said device under test comprising a first initiation unit,wherein said first initiation unit is configured to generate a firstwireless initiation signal, wherein said initiation signal comprises atleast one of electromagnetic waves or sound waves, and wherein saidinitiation signal comprises a first test command; said testing devicecomprising a first sensor unit, wherein said first sensor unit isconfigured to receive said initiation signal via said first sensor unit;and said testing device being configured to generate a firstelectromagnetic test signal based on said first test command, whereinthe testing device is configured to simulate a RF communication partnerof the device under test, wherein said first initiation unit isestablished as a Li-Fi light source, wherein said Li-Fi light source isconfigure to generate a Li-Fi signal, wherein said first sensor unit isestablished as a first light sensor, wherein said first light sensor isconfigured to detect light at least in a frequency range of said Li-Fisignal, wherein said testing device comprises a housing, wherein thehousing defines a shielded space, wherein said device under test isplaced in the shielded space, wherein said first sensor unit is locatedin the shielded space, wherein the housing comprises a shieldedconnector extending from the shielded space to an exterior of thehousing, and wherein said shielded connector is connected to said firstsensor unit.
 12. A test method for testing a device under test via atesting device, comprising: generating a first wireless initiationsignal via a first initiation unit of said testing device, said firstinitiation signal comprising a first test command; receiving said firstinitiation signal via a first sensor unit of said device under test; andgenerating a first electromagnetic test signal based on the first testcommand, wherein a RF communication partner of the device under test issimulated via said testing device, wherein the device under test isplaced in a shielded space defined by a housing of the testing device,wherein said first initiation unit is established as a Li-Fi lightsource, wherein the first wireless initiation signal is a Li-Fi signalgenerated by said Li-Fi light source, wherein said first sensor unit isestablished as a first light sensor, wherein said first initiationsignal first light sensor is detected by said first light at least in afrequency range of said Li-Fi signal, and wherein the housing comprisesa shielded connector extending from the shielded space to an exterior ofthe housing, wherein said shielded connector is connected to said firstinitiation unit.
 13. The test method of claim 12, wherein said firstelectromagnetic test signal is received and analyzed by the testingdevice.
 14. The method of claim 12, comprising the following additionalsteps: generating a second initiation signal via a second initiationunit of said device under test, said second initiation signal comprisinga second test command; receiving said second initiation signal via asecond sensor unit of said testing device, said second acoustic commandsignal comprising a second test command; and generating a secondelectromagnetic test signal based on the first test command.